Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He didn't speak again until they reached Jessica's apartment. After pulling up at the curb, Herbert finally asked, "Did you forget to pack your Voice Emitting Necklace before you left the country?"

At the mention of the device, Jessica couldn't help recalling that day—Timothy had tossed the necklace out the window, and she'd spent ages searching for it outside, but never managed to find it. She hadn't wanted to tell Herbert the whole story and make him worry, so she simply signed, guilt written all over her face: "I'm sorry. I lost it."

So that was what happened.

"It's fine," Herbert said gently. "I'll just order you a new one."

Jessica shook her head and signed quickly, "No need. I might be able to speak again in a while. There's no point spending money—it'd just be a waste."

She was adamant that Herbert shouldn't buy her another Voice Emitting Necklace.

That day, Timothy had forcibly slipped a voice ring onto her finger. Though she'd kept it, she had no intention of ever using it—and certainly not of wearing it.

"If you don't want it, I won't force you," Herbert relented. "But promise me this- once your throat stops hurting, and I've checked and made sure everything's healed, let me know so you can start your rehab exercises."

Jessica nodded, then signed, "I'm heading up. You should get back to the hospital. Goodbye."

Herbert waved as she made her way to the entrance. Jessica stood and watched his car pull away before finally turning toward her building.

"Jessica."

A voice called from behind.

She stopped and glanced back. Sheila was approaching her. "Do you have a minute to talk?" Sheila asked.

Since the day Jessica's diagnosis was confirmed, Sheila had come to Riverside City. They'd known each other for over a month now, but had never been alone together-every conversation had either Timothy or Henry nearby. Each time Sheila spoke, it sounded to Jessica like stage acting, fake and affected.

Jessica signed, "I don't think there's anything for us to talk about."noveldrama

With Timothy and Henry absent, Sheila finally dropped the pretense. She gave a cold, tight-lipped smile. "I get the feeling you're running away. Afraid to face things?"

"That's just your impression, Miss Howard. And your impressions aren't always accurate. You're overthinking. I'm not interested in your business."

"But what about Timothy?"

Jessica's lips curled into a mocking

half-smile as her hands moved

lazily. "Even less interested. So really, there's nothing for us to discuss. I know you like Timothy, and you don't have to worryel won't compete with you. I've already filed for divorce. It won't be long before he's a free man. Whatever happens between you two, that's your business."

Sheila frowned slightly. The woman standing in front of her was nothing like she'd imagined. The first time they'd met at the gates of The Gilded Whisper Estates, Jessica had clearly been rattled by her presence her face pale, her mood uneasy. After that, Jessica would vanish for days at a time, only returning when Timothy went out searching for her.

It was obvious Jessica cared about Timothy and was bothered by Sheila's involvement. So why was she acting so calm and detached now? Was it an act?

Sheila refused to believe that someone who'd married Timothy would so easily let him go. After all, Timothy was exceptional in every way—charismatic, successful, and the kind of man women found irresistible.

"You don't have to pretend to be strong," Sheila pressed. "I'm sure you have questions about me and Timothy. Don't you want to know?"

But Jessica had already learned more than enough about her husband-his past,

his entanglements, all of it. She was done.

She raised her hand and signed to Sheila...